Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, combining tender, seasoned chicken with a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Rich and creamy: A velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce coats every bite.
Protein-packed: Made with lean, juicy chicken breast.
Customizable: Swap out pasta, add vegetables, or make it dairy-free.
Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Thyme
Oregano
Italian seasoning
Olive oil (for searing)
For the Pasta and Sauce
Pasta (farfalle, fettuccine, or penne)
Butter
Garlic (minced)
Dry shallots (optional)
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
Chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative)
Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Reserved pasta water (for thinning sauce)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and Italian seasoning. Pound the chicken slightly to even thickness, then coat with seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
Finish Cooking: Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest before slicing.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the Pasta: Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Melt Butter & Sauté: In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and shallots, sautéing for 1 minute.
Make the Roux: Stir in the flour, scraping the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1 minute.
Create the Sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and thickened.
Add Cheese: Stir in shredded Parmesan until fully melted. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time.
Assemble the Dish
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
Add Chicken: Slice the chicken and mix into the pasta. Serve hot!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 5-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli for chicken.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in cheddar for a mac and cheese twist.
Bacon Lovers: Add crispy chopped bacon for smoky flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Fettuccine, penne, and linguine all work well with this sauce.

What’s the best way to keep chicken juicy?
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.

How do I prevent my sauce from getting too thick?
Gradually add reserved pasta water or broth to thin the sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store the pasta and chicken separately, then reheat with extra broth.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Use dairy-free heavy cream, coconut cream, or half-and-half for a lighter option.

How do I add more flavor to the sauce?
Increase garlic, add fresh herbs, or stir in a splash of white wine.

What pairs well with this dish?
Garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables make great pairings.

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother sauce.

What’s the best oil for searing chicken?
Olive oil or avocado oil works best due to their high smoke points.

Conclusion
This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to impress guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Pair it with a salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Try it today and enjoy a rich, cheesy pasta that will become a staple in your recipe collection!

Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

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Author: Grace
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! Featuring juicy seared chicken breast, a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner!

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 tablespoon of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
Pound the chicken to an even thickness, then season both sides with the spice mix.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for another 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove chicken from the pan, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and dry shallots and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in flour and cook for 30 seconds, scraping the pan to release flavor.
Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
Add parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
Add sliced chicken and mix gently.
Serve hot with extra parmesan, fresh parsley, and garlic bread!

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Add veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition.
For extra flavor, top with crispy bacon bits for a smoky twist.